Audit of informed consent practice within a Community Mental Health Team

The letters from a Community Mental Health Team to patients' general practitioners were reviewed to identify the standard of informed consent documentation. A tool was developed to achieve the expected standards for informed consent documentation and its effects on practice evaluated. Statistically significant improvements were shown using our tool in documentation of discussion of risks; increased by 36% (P ≤ 0.0017, CI 15-58%) benefits of the treatment plan, increased by 56% (P ≤ 0.010-4, CI 38-74%) risks and benefits of no treatment, increased by 52% (P ≤ 0.010-4, CI 33-71%); side-effects, increased by 25% (P ≤ 0.0298, CI 3-47%) and written material improved by 28% (P ≤ 0.0109, CI 7-48%). There are significant clinical implications for the results of this audit as informed consent is fundamental to good practice; this intervention is quick, simple and enables clinicians to demonstrate valid consent, protecting the patient and clinician.